create + play
SE LDN
philo
a family play + arts space
Collective healing through play, connection and creation.
Philo has evolved into a space that welcomes artists, dreamers, builders and families of all ages.
SE London is our home and we invite you to rehearse with us as we create together for change.
Follow us on eventbrite and social media for updates and session details.
![Some of you might be wondering where we’ve been. Feels wild to say we’re almost at the half point of the year.
Truth is, we’ve needed time and space to rediscover the purposes and direction of @playatphilo before we open our doors again
Our number one mission here right now is right in front of us every day. our 3 blessings.
What we bring to @playatphilo comes from what we experience as a family, and we’ve been able to dig into our values and practice and model and learn. whatever we understand to be the most important thing.
✨So what are we up to now? ✨
We’re really excited to be hosting ‘Joyful Childhood [recreated]’ at @leo_foood this Friday afternoon. you’re welcome to join us as we look back and forwards imagining how we experience joy together now and later. Expect play, creating from junk, connecting through shared and different experiences. Listening to one another. Valuing each one’s contribution to the space.
This free event is a part of @free_we_grow Giftival - Book via link in bio or send us a DM for it!](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/497652298_17972274215852176_5330880007307505199_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=slcWvvZ5m_sQ7kNvwGtLjKi&_nc_oc=AdnOtxEX21xadAjMiltNFO-sAz6LgPC0cxMewg-OOW9FDHigOZW9rBXWK0M9OzwtA8U&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=c9etevL2AsXGVSbUie5mDA&oh=00_AffdssGfvDeud-Q4L-zpe8f6UKq6zS_18GLgy41T1v7yVQ&oe=6907AE61)
![We’re expecting a LOVELY DAY next Friday at @leo_foood for our Joyful Childhood [recreated] 🌸✨🌱
PLAY
CREATE
CONNECT
with @playatphilo as we dive into our childhood with our children! By the end of the event, we will have created a collective neighbourhood of dreams using art materials. Can’t wait to experience this with you!
All dreamers welcome ✨ DM for the booking link or find it in our bio
This is event is part of the Giftival offered by @free_we_grow
#events #childhood #play #art #connect #selondon #thingstodo #dreamers](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/496525021_721382057138547_1420371517553732415_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=-epUh8blPKkQ7kNvwFeGiQl&_nc_oc=Adm6CuiBaIIGA-tbuh8Rf-J6ZglK__0TZ5LBnID_mH5UI2sp29QgQQh9xruM-Wweco0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=c9etevL2AsXGVSbUie5mDA&oh=00_AfeBupE9XfW8iK0ztclNIdkoOwtXAj_vUyUYeW8LYo2sfg&oe=6907BC64)
![sofas. [a short story]
our very first space transforming dream board illustrated the need for somewhere to sit comfortably. in the winter of 22 we were transporting the contents of the space from our loft at home into a van with just a few minutes drive to the our first space. there was no space for a sofa. but people made the most of the floor and chairs available.
our second venue, we were so pleased to see already had two comfy sofas in the space. they sat many a pregnant mama!
which brings us on to our current setting at the @groveparkyc - with too many seating areas to choose from. I spoke to a parent who I found on a sofa in the main play space cross-legged, looking pretty relaxed with a book + a cuppa while the children played nearby. surrounded by children’s artwork - I told this parent I just love to see it. so grateful we’re not still dreaming of sofas.
hopes for philo - ‘a home away from home’
🛋️🖤✨
[orange sofa 📷= @littleartforms]](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/469486052_17954793176852176_3936046329080907566_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=AIJHdYiZ7LcQ7kNvwFfYVEq&_nc_oc=Adnpyyqhuk6fKN8PFmgc3YfmYAXhStQapOCzvVFv___XHTgZlkJiqel1QqK3hQFB7Wc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=c9etevL2AsXGVSbUie5mDA&oh=00_AfdmO7OzFgwzylMumkseJBxzWROLTJY1fbi_1ux_ntUlsw&oe=6907D410)
everyone makes their mark
values
Care
Practicing care as we hold each other and are held, as we centre others by listening and learning intergenerationally. It's an ongoing equitable process and a fundamental need of the person, place and the planet.
Liberation
Recognising our collective struggle, we journey together through our wounds and healing as a community to find freedom from oppression in many forms.
the foundation
Voice
"Lift every voice" (NAACP, 1919)
Empowering intergenerational voices from the margins so everyone makes their mark and can speak life.
Play
A child's work but we also think it should be an adult's work too! Through experimentation, creativity and open-ended play we believe as a community we can strengthen our physical and mental health, as well as form communal bonds of support, resistance and fun.
Philo is a Global Majority-led, not-for-profit organisation based in Lewisham exploring the relationship between play, art, and collective healing with local families in our communities.
Founded by artists, educators, and cultural workers, Philo creates liberatory spaces rooted in anti-colonial practice and collective care.
We currently host creative workshops for families across Lewisham borough. Please contact us if you would like to discuss collaboration.
